Developed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government as a pilot program in 2019, Lead for North Carolina received its first gift from the SECU Foundation, totaling $500,000, in March of that year. This enabled 20 college graduates to participate in the program, designed to recruit young leaders in the state and provide them with training and placement in a two-year paid local government fellowship.

In July 2021, the SECU Foundation announced its first $1 million grant for Lead for North Carolina, which allowed up to 50 graduates to be placed into paid local government fellowships over a three-year period.

With the awarding of this year’s $1 million grant to Lead for North Carolina, the SECU Foundation will serve as the lead funder for the placement of up to 150 graduates – called SECU fellows – in paid local government fellowship positions over a five-year period. According to the Foundation, this will help double the number of SECU fellows; since its launch, the program has placed more than 100 graduates in fellowships with 90 organizations.

While Lead for North Carolina is housed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, participants are recruited from colleges and universities across the state. According to the program’s website, its other supporters include AmeriCorps, Anonymous Trust, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and State Farm. Lead for North Carolina lists the SECU Foundation as its signature funder.

“Lead for North Carolina is an incredible program, and we couldn’t be more pleased to champion the efforts of the UNC School of Government with our grant,” SECU Foundation Board Member Mona Moon stated. “LFNC SECU fellows are passionate about public service and committed to uplifting the work of local governments and the communities they serve. LFNC builds upon the Foundation’s SECU Public Service Internship program and is a wonderful opportunity for those considering a career in public service.”